How to get your Harley(or any bike) running after being submerged .

The area in which I live was devastated by a flood. To my horror my Softail was under about 6 feet of nasty, oily, sewage filled water.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience,don't try starting your baby right away! Parts: spark plugs, new oils, WD-40, fresh fuel,and PATIENCE!

1. Get that scooter out of the water. Rinse her off with a hose, the bike will have a pretty thick layer of scum on it.Use a soft brush, and get in everywhere. Don't worry where you get the water(it was under water anyway)and scrub all that mud and goo away. There's really no need to use soap at this time, that can be done later.

2. Start removing covers,cone,derby,etc. If available use compressed air and blow out all the electrical areas such as ignition switches and connectors. Now disconnect the battery.I used a small wire brush to remove rust from screwed on wire ends.Pull out the starter motor and blow that as dry as you can. Now let that sit in the sun for a day or so. WD-40 all electrical connectors. This stuff displaces moisture.

3. Drain all your fluids(not you bozo,the bike!),primary,crankcase,transmission. Let those drain for a day or so. You want to let air circulate through to make sure it dries.Pull the plugs and toss them.While the plugs are out put the bike in gear, 2nd works great, and bump the motor over to expel any water above the pistons. Spray WD-40 in the sparkplug holes.

4. Now the carburetor, pull the bowl and drain. You will want to drain the fuel out of the tanks too. I would rather err to this side of caution and replace the gas.

5. Now you can start replacing oil and filter to factory specs. Fill the primary with clutch fluid,replace transmission fluid, and spark-plugs. Oh yeah, put your starter back in and reconnect. The last thing is to hook that battery back up. Put the trans in neutral and fire her up. The sound of her voice through the pipes may make your eyes tear up but hold tough!

Tips & Warnings

• Even after all that work the bike may not turn over. Check the solenoid and or your starter relay switch. The solenoid can be rebuilt or replaced. The relay switch is only replacable.
• Who ever designed the placement of the starter relay switch should be kicked in the damn neck! You folks with 85 through 89 Softails know what I mean. This switch seems to be very touchy. It has known to burn out by riding in the rain! Jeez what a piece of sh..... well you know what I mean.

[MarlaineMarie]

on 6/18/2008 Great article - this should help a lot of guys who are itching to get their bikes up and running again!